Old Mutual International, a leading provider of wealth management solutions in Hong Kong, will become the title sponsor of the Hong Kong Rugby Union’s Men’s Domestic Leagues for the 2017/2018 season.

The new partnership with the Hong Kong Rugby Union (HKRU) reinforces the businesses’ continued support for Rugby worldwide. Old Mutual Wealth, which Old Mutual International is a part of, has been the Principal Partner of England Rugby since 2015.

Old Mutual International view rugby as embodying its own core values of passion, commitment, mutual respect and teamwork. They are true supporters of the sport and have played an active role in promoting and developing the game in the UK.

The agreement with the Hong Kong Rugby Union goes beyond branding, as Old Mutual International is committed to helping further promote rugby in the community to encourage more participation and interest in the sport.

In the 2016/17 season, the HKRU’s Men’s Domestic Leagues encompassed eight competitions involving over 60 men’s teams and more than 2,000 registered players with over 400 matches played, culminating in Premiership titles and Grand Championship Finals across each division at King’s Park.

Mark Christal, CEO of Old Mutual International Hong Kong, comments:

“We are very pleased to be entering this agreement with the Hong Kong Rugby Union and look forward to working closely with the Union to support rugby development in Hong Kong.

“The Old Mutual International Men’s Domestic Leagues will provide great examples of people from different backgrounds coming together to play rugby for the sheer love of the sport.

“Both on and off the pitch, rugby embodies great values, and we as a business are passionate and committed to providing award winning wealth management solutions to help individuals achieve their financial goals and families create prosperity for their next generations,” Mr Christal added.

Old Mutual International’s parent company, Old Mutual Wealth, is the Principal Partner of England Rugby. That agreement sees Old Mutual Wealth become title partner of the England Men’s and Women’s autumn internationals, the Old Mutual Wealth Series, and marked the first time that England Women have had a title partner for their autumn series.

Pieter Schats, Chairman of the HKRU, commented on the announcement saying:

“The Hong Kong Rugby Union is delighted to partner with Old Mutual International to support the continued growth and development of local rugby.

“The strong support provided by Old Mutual Wealth to the Rugby Football Union in England has provided a tremendous fillip to the game there and makes them the perfect partner in our mission to get everyone in Hong Kong involved in our great game.

“We look forward to working closely with Old Mutual International to further accelerate rugby’s strong growth in Hong Kong,” Mr Schats added.